Boat canopy



April 25,` 1950 C, H, BILLS 2,505,520

l BOAT CANOPY ,I Il, Page.

/'d /df/ i' Y i" L /f/ mi' l INVENTOR l l., Y lq i2' @Zafefzce/ April 25, v195() c. H. BILLS 2,595,520

BOAT cANoPY Filed April 2e, 1949 s sheets-sheet 2 INVEN'TOR. (244767706 /L 5i/Sk c. H. BxLLsr BOAT CANOPY Wm z, w50

Filed April 28, 1949 Patented Apr.. 25, 1950 ataszt 'BOAT CANOPY Glarenee.H.Bi1ls;P/iilford, Mich., assigner tei/.Gentury Boat. Company, lianistee, Mich., and Chat- ..tan0oga, Tenn., `a corporation of Michigan "Application April `28, 1949, Serial No5-90H31 Illllairns.

This invention relates to foldable vehicle .tons and `particularly topsfadapted; for use @n.motor boats of the open cockpit type.

Various attem-ntslhavefbeenlma'de the past to provide a trim,:eiicientttopcstructure;for the passenger carrying compartmentsfoffhoats of .the open cockpit type but-snch attemptshave proven unsatisfactory due toftheffact 'thatsuch tops interfered with the quick; easy entran-ce intcalndexit from the passenger `carrying-compari-,ments of such boats. The tons that havebeenlprovcledfor boats of this type, Vwhich didnotinterferewith a person boarding-arid-leaving theboat, have usual- 1y been large, unganly-fconstructons that constituted a more or less permanent part of the hull structure. Such tops destroyed the tri-m appear ance of the/boat, interfered A-wvith the visibility from within'tee cockptywere relatively expensive to manufacture and' insta-ll, land, because efftheir permanent natureprevented ready collapsing ci the top to permit the passengersrto. completely enjoy the out-of-doors iii-such should loe their desire.

It is a primary'ob'jectof thisfinventionto provide a trim, inexpensivegfoldab-le top or canopy for a boat of the-Lopen `cockioit t.v1oe,vvhich` top may have portions thereof folded to temporary positions soas to permit neasyeer-xtreme to and exit from all portions-of:thecockpit.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a trim tot` structure-'feriali open cockpit type of boat whichtonapDears-to'be -a permanent part of the hull yet isv adapted to be quickly and easily demonnted inftvholenr inr part.

It is a further object oaf-this invention to provide afoldahle top fore.. notorboator the `like will completely cover the open cockpit `and provide a satisfactory Weather shieldfor the occa* pants thereof, the arrangement beingfsuch that the too in no Way ohstructsithe visibility from Within the cock-oit.

It is a still further object lof `this invention to provide a sectional folding `top'for a motor boat or the likevvhich top may be'erected in wholeor in part, the top construction beingvfsuchthat certain sections of 'the passengerfcarrying com, partment of the boat'mayibeicoveredwhile other sections are uncovered. sectional top is such that'whenevera-ny section? is erected itpresentsa complete, trim appearance which makes 'it ein pear to be an integral `partofthe hull.

f Additional obi ects and advantages of A 'this too construction will become appa-rent from-awarding Vof'the following description lwhen taken in con junction With the-related drawings,- wherein:

Eig.; 1 :is: a .perspectiveview of` a, ,double compartment, open cockpt,.=runabout type of .motor boatL having .a top constructed in iaccordancelmith this invention Fig.:,2.is :a iragmentarylperspective vcwnf ;the passenger carrying section tof the boat shownrin Fig. .1,the top. ycovering being: removed. from the teplframe tomore .clearly disclosethe foldabie sectional,l frame construction;

`F-ig-13 is ...a `fragmentary perspective `vlievvofith'e passenger .carrying #section f lof the `4boat andltop constructionfshownin,Figs.,.l 2 with onefof theintermediate top4 supporting frame sections shown in opened position;

Fig..4 is a fragmentary. perspective VieWlof the top'structnreshown in Fig; l, the View bengtaken from :the bovvoftY the boat l looking through the WindshieldV towar.'ds.the stern ofthe boat so -.as.:t0 disclose ltheunderside ,of the 1301:)` structure;

`iiig-x5 isiaiperspective'view of .a boat having a top :construction-whichiswa modified form ofthe invention shown in=Figs.ll-4, the modied form beingradapted ,aforinstallation on open cockpit boats havingalsingie passenger' carrying compari/ment; this=view showng'the Vaft top section folded forwardly! to open position;

iFig. `6:is a `fragmentary side elevation `of the boat shownl in Fis. 5 `vvithlthe-several topscotions 'in' closed position;

Fig. '7 is an eniargedsectional elevational view of'a frame supporting deck fitting;

`Fig is anenlargedsectional elevation of one of the lockingbolts carriedfiey the end toplsections and used'to festen the pivotall/v mounted lintermediate topsections in closed position; and

Figi 9` isan enlargedview o'ione or" thelstraptype Apivotal connections between the top runner frames and the'hoW-supnorting members of the intermediate frame sections.

In the drawings l represents a motor boat-lof the open cockpit runabout type having adeinountable `telostructure il coveringthe'passonger carrying compartments l2 yand i3 ofthe cockpit. The topstructnre l! comprises a for- Ward Windshield section QS, intermediate orramid- L5 H. Onepreferrediorm ofceeletting isfshown 3 in Fig. 7 and will be subsequently described in detail.

The windshield section 20 constitutes an end frame and comprises a transversely extending, vertically disposed, substantially U-shaped bow member 2l which has its leg portions 2 Ia removably connected to the boat deck i4 by means of fitting Iii. A plurality of forwardly extending, vertically disposed strut members 22 are connected between the bight portion of bow member 2i and the deck i4. Mounted between the deck I4, the struts 22, and the bow member 2| are the transparent windshield sections 24 which are formed from some shatter-proof material such as Lucite or shatter-proof glass. The windshield section 23 may be mounted on the boat deck I4 by means of the ttings i so that it becomes a more or less permanent part of the hull structure. t is obvious that the windshield section 20 can be used at al1 times regardless oi whether the other sections of the top structure are erected or stowed aboard in a collapsed condition.

The intermediate or amidships frame section 3U comprises a transversely extending, vertically disposed, U-shaped, supporting bow member SI having its leg portions tia detachabiy connected to the deck i4 by means of the deck fittings I6. Fittings Iii (see Fig. 7) each comprise a pair of female pipe receiving sleeves ld supported on a base section ib that is connected to the deck I4! by means of screws I6c. Sleeve portions ld each have a transversely extending threaded bore that receives a wing nut member Itri that is adapted to be turned up against the end portions of the bow member legs @la mounted therein. Pivotally mounted on the upper portion of legs Bia of bow member SI is a normally longitudinally extending U-shaped runner frame 32. Runner frame 32 comprises the side legs 32a, the bight portion 32h and the cross tie 32e that extends between the legs 32a adjacent the bight portion 32h of the runner frame. Runner frame 32 is adapted to extend between the top of windshield section 2i] and the top of bow member 3l when in erected closed position. The pivotal connections 33 between the free ends of the U- shaped runner frame legs 32a and the bow member legs Bia permit the runner frame 32 to be pivoted upwardly and rearwardly so as to completely uncover the forward compartment E2 of the open cockpit and thus permit ready entrance into and exit from this portion of the cockpit. Suitable locking means 34 are provided to detachably fasten the cross tie member 32C of the runner frame 32 to the bow member 2| of the windshield secton 23 when the runner frame 32 is in its lowered or closed position. Locking means 34 (see Fig. 8) each comprise a journal block 34a fixed to the bow member 2i of windshield section 2G which block rotatably supports the locking bolt 34h. Locking bolt 34h has a nger 34e adapted to be seated in a slot 32d in cross tie 32e when the runner frame 32 is in lowered or closed position. Locking bolt 34h is provided with a handle 34d to facilitate rotation thereof.

-Amidships frame section 48 includes a transversely' extending, vertically disposed, supporting bow member 4I having its leg portions 4ta removably mounted in the deck ttings l5 in the same Amanner yas described with regard to the legs 3Ia of bow 3l. Pivotally connected at 43 to theupper portion of the legs-4m of bow member 4'IV is a normally longitudinally extending, U- shaped, runner frame 42. The free ends of the legs 42a of runner frame 42 are pivotally connected at 43 to the bow member 4I in such a manner that runner frame 42 may be swung upwardly and forwardly to uncover the rear passenger carrying compartment I3 of the open cockpit. Runner frame 42 includes the bight portion 42h and an auxiliary bow strut or cross tie 42e which provides additional support for the aft portion of top covering 'II carried by the runner frame 42. The runner frame 42 is adapted to extend between bow member 4l and the aft frame section 5) when it is in its lowered or closed position. The pivotal connections 33 and 43 of the runner frames 32 and 42 to the bow members 3l and 4I respectively are clearly disclosed in Fig. 9. A pair of at straps 44 and 45 are connected to the spaced bow member legs 3 i a and ilIa. by the winged bolt 46. Straps 44 and 45 receive the pivot pins 33 and 43 on which are pivotally mounted the flattened ends of the runner frame legs 32a and 42a respectively. The straps 44 and 45 not only provide the pivot mountings for the runner frames 32 and 42 but in addition these straps tie the bow members 3i and 4i together and rigidify the top structure.

The ait frame section 5U comprises an elevated, normally horizontally disposed, transversely extending, U-shaped bow member 5| supported at each of its ends by the normally vertically disposed U-shaped frame sections 52. The frame sections 52 are detachably mounted on the deck structure I4 by means of deck ttings Il which are similar to the ttings It shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings but include only a single sleeve member instead of the pair of pipe receiving sleeves i3d carried by the ttings It. The ends dla of bow member 5I are connected to the legs or struts 52a of the supporting frames 52 by the triangular shaped brace plates 55. The other struts or legs 52h of the U-shaped supporting frames 52 are permanently connected at 52d to the bight portion of bow member 5I by welding, brazing, or the like.

Aft frame section 50 includes suitable fastening means 54, similar to the locking means 34 shown in Fig. 8, which fasteners are adapted to detachably lock the rearwardly extending runner frame 42 to the bow member 5i of aft frame section 52 when runner frame 42 is in its lowered or closed position.

It will be noted from Figs. 2 and 3 that either or both of the amidships runner frames 32 and 42 may be pivoted upwardly to uncover the passenger carrying compartments I2 and I3 of the open cockpit. This arrangement permits quick, easy entrance into and exit from the compartments I2 and I3 of the cockpit when boarding or leaving the boat.

The several top sections 3G, 40 and E3 are each covered with a waterproof material II such as canvas, nylon, or some similar material. The covering material 1I for frame section et? has a plurality of windows 'I2 formed therein and these windows are covered with a transparent material which may be similar to the material usedl in the windshield sections 24. It is apparent from Fig. 4 that the major portion of the covering for frame section 5l] is transparent so as to provide perfect visibility in all directions from within the boat cockpit. The covering II for the runner frames 32 and 42 is preferably made in two sec-- tions with detachable fastening means 'E3 such as zippers or snap fasteners connecting these two sections in -such a way that a watertight joint. is provided. The detachable connection between i accuracingatthe pointwhere the sectionsof Mthertop' 'H-l are jointed together.'

Intheeventit is desired to operateth'e boat with one portion ofthe open'cockpitv covered vand another portion uncovered it is a simple matter to release the appropriate detachable-fastening means 34 or 54 associated with the `runner frame-y section that'is to be' removed, to then disconnect the detachable :fasteners 13, after Whicn'the appropriete bow member A3l or' di is'disconnected from the fittingsi 6 and the straps M and'45, Toi removev any or all of the sections ofthe topirame is a relatively simple matter due tothe easily operable, detachable connections betw'een' 'the'` bo'at hulli and the variousframe' sections.' The de*- occupants.

top sections are erected or demounted; Windi shield' section 20 has a minimum of*r framework and it provides'a sturdy windshield witlimaiiV` mum visbility as weil asatrimappearance that' blends' into the hull design.

The `modifient form of the invention shownri Figs; 5 and diners 'fromthat shown' in Figs. ll-fl` inthatthe aft framesection has'b'een eliminated. This modiiied form of theinvention' is' primarily'designed for open cockpit boats "havin'g a single passenger carrying compartment" liras'V contrasted with the multiple compartment type' of boat shown. in Figs; 1`-4". The'windshieldsec'- tion' 2% and the arriidships section' 3D of the top construction shown in Figs'. 5 and 6 are identical to' those used in the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The aft fiame'section` B0, shown in Figs; 5 and 6, comprises'a transversely extending;

Ushaped bow member 5T having legs" Elu' de; ta'chably` connected'to Vthe anfiidship's"bowA section 3| by straps lill, 55 and releasab'ly'fastened' to the boat deck it by the" deck fittings IS. Pivotally connected at e3 tothe upper portioris'of the legs 61a' of bow member 6i' is theV H`sh`ap`ed runner frame S2. Strap type'pivot members 44j, 45=con nec't the ends of runner'fr'ame' legs 62u tothe bow member Si in a manner" identical t'o that described for the runner frames 32 and 62"; The" tie` portion zbfof the"V H-shaped runner. frame G2' provides a support for the'rearporti'on of the top covering 'l5' mounted onthe top frame sec-- tion 5T Deckfittings l1 are provided to anchorthe free ends o'frunner frame legsZCt tothetle'ck"` |41 Fittings 1"! areprovided" with' wingedbolts similar to those shown at Iid of Fig. '7. With the' construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6 thetop cover 15 isY terminated at the tie strut 52b`but, if necessary, an additional section' of topcovering could" the forward portionof the coclzp- 'overed and vthe rear portion ofthe cockpit openitis-a simple' matter `t'ofremove`- theirunncrframe 6121 to uncover the" rear poi-'tiem of the' cockpit runner@ frame* 62'" may 'be` knocked down and:M stowed` aboardfthe'boat so that it is readilyavailable forM installation in i therevent this portion off the top"L 1 is needed to shelter the-occupants` fromi the weather:

I claim:

1. A boat top comprising" a pair: of f endifram'e` sections* and a pair of` intermediatelframe secations, said end frame sections each comprisinga plurality of supporting struts having transparenent'panel's mounted therebetween, and said inter'- mediate frame 'sections eachcornprising` a: sup. porting 4frame member and a runner 'framepivoh ally connected to said supporting frame mem-l ber; each of said runnerframesbeing adapted to extend vbetweenthesupporting frame pivota'llv. connected thereto and an end framesection; andi' means for detachably fastening each runner frame to the end frame section associated"there with.

2. A boattop comprising a pair of"end-fratrieL sections and a pair of intermediate frame sec'- tions, said end frame sections each comprisinga 1,; pluralityof supporting struts having transparent panels `mounted therebetween, and Vsaidt ntermee diate frame sectionsV eachcomprising a support-` ing frame member and a runner frame pi-votallyl connected to said supporting frarnememb'er; each of said runner frames being adaptedV t'o extend'l between'the supporting `frame pivotally connecti-V ed thereto and an end frame section, meansfor`- detachably fastening each runner frame to the: end frame section associated therewith, andaiexible top covering mounted on each of-said runner frames.

3. A boat top comprising a pairof end frames sections and a pair of intermediate frame sec-- tions,` said end frame sections each comprising i a. plurality of supporting struts having transparentpanelsmounted therebetween, and said intermediate frame sections each comprising a supporting frame member and a runner frame pivotally connected to said supporting frame member, each of said runner frames being adapted to extend between the supporting frame pivotally connected thereto and an end frame section',` means for detachably fastening each runner frame to the end frame section associated' therewith, and a iiexible top covering mounted' on eachv of said runner ira-mes, said top coverings'incl'uding detachable fasteningmeans4 to connect thecovering sections mounted on the severalrunner frames.

4. The combination with an open cockpit type ofI boat including a deck and forward. and aft' passenger carrying compartments, of a wind"- shield section mounted on the deck inil iront of said forward compartment, a first intermediate top section detachably connected to said deck `between said compartments and including a pivotalljv mounted too portion adapted to extend be-` tween said windshield and said aft compartment; a` second intermediate top section detachably connected to said deck between said compartmentsand including a pivotally mounted' top por-- tion adapted to extend over said aft comlpart-- ment, and an end frame section detachably mounted on the deck rearwardly of the aft' com* partment and adapted to provide a support for said last-mentioned pivotally mounted top por# tion.

5'. The combination `with an open cockpit type of1boat"inclu'dingadeckfand forward'and a'ft pas# senger carrying compartments; of a" windshield section mounted on the deck in front of said forward compartment, a first intermediate top section detachably connected tosaid deck between said compartments and including a pivotally mounted top portion adapted to extend between said windshield and said aft compartment, a second intermediate top section detachably connected to said deck between said compartments and including a pivo-tally mounted top portion adapted to extend over said aft compartment, and means adapted to detachably anchor said pivotal- 1y mounted top portions in positions covering said passenger carrying compartments.

6. A boat top comprising a. `windshield section, an end section, and a pair of top supporting sections, each of said top supporting sections comprising a U-shaped supporting member and a U-shaped runner frame, means pivotally connecting the legs of each U-shaped runner frame to a supporting member and means adapted to detachably connect one o-f said runner frames to each of said windshield and end sections respectively, said runner frames each mounting a iiexible top covering.

7. A boat top comprising a windshield section and a pair of top sections, said top sections each comprising a U-shaped supporting member and a runner frame pivotally connected thereto, means to detachably anchor one of said runner frames to said windshield section and means to detachably anchor said other runner frame in a position in alignment with the first mentioned runner frame, said runner frames each supporting a iiexible top covering'.

8. A boat top comprising a windshield section and a pair of top sections, said top sections each comprising a U--shaped supporting member and a runner frame pivotally connected thereto, means to detachably anchor one of said runner frames to said windshield section and means to detachably anchor said other runner frame in a position in alignment with the rst mentioned runner frame, said runner frames each supporting a flexible top covering, and detachable clamping means to connect said supporting members.

. 9. A top structure for the open cockpit of a boat provided with a deck and a windshield section comprising a first top section having a first bowed supporting member, means to detachably erect said rst supporting member on said deck, a first bowed runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotaliy connected to said first supporting member, and means to detachably connect said rst runner frame to said windshield section, a second top section comprising a, second bowed supporting member, means to detachably erect said second supporting member on said deck, a second bowed runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotally connected to said second supporting member, means to detachably connect said second supporting member to said deck, rigid means adjacent the runner frame pivot connections to the supporting members to detachably connect said first and second supporting frames together, and an end frame comprising spaced struts and connecting members having portions to be detachably mounted on said deck and other portions to be detachably connected to said second runner frame.

10. A top structure for the open cockpit of a boat provided with a deck and a windshield section comprising a first top section having a, first Abowed supporting member, means to detachably erect said rst supporting member on said deck, a rst bowed runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotally connected to said first supporting member, and means to detachably connect said first runner frame to said windshield section, a second top section comprising a second bowed supporting member, means to detachably erect said second supporting member on said deck, a second bowed runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotally connected to said second supporting member, means to detachably connect said second supporting member to said deck, and an end frame comprising spaced struts and connecting members having portions to be detachably mounted on said deck and other portions to be detachably connected to said second runner frame.

11. In combination with a boat having a normally open cockpit, a deck surrounding said cockpit and a windshield section mounted on said deck forward of and transversely to said cockpit, a top for said open cockpit comprising a forward top section, and an aft top section and means for detachably connecting said top sections to the deck, said forward and aft top sections each comprising a vertically extending, bow member disposed transversely of the cockpit and a runner frame having portions thereof pivotally connected to a bow member so as to permit each runner frame to normally extend in a horizontal direction lengthwise of the cockpit but allowing each runner frame to be pivoted to a substantially vertical position with respect to said cockpit, means detachably connecting the bow members of the forward and aft top sections, and means to detachably connect the forward runner frame to the windshield section and the aft runner frame to the deck when said runner frames are substantially horizontally disposed.

12. In combination with a boat having a normaliy open cockpit, a deck surrounding said cockpit and a windshield section mounted on said deck forward of and transversely to said cockpit, a top for said open cockpit comprising a forward top section, an aft top section and an end section, and means for detachably connecting said top and end sections to the deck, said forward and aft top sections each comprising a, U-shaped, vertically extending, bow member disposed transversely of the cockpit and a U-shaped runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotally connected to a bow member so as to normally extend in a horizontal direction lengthwise of the cockpit but arranged to be pivoted to a substantially vertical position with relation to said cockpit, each of said runner frames including a cross tie between the frame legs adjacent the bight portion of the frame, strap plates adapted to detachably connect the bow members of the forward and aft top sections, and means to detachably connect the forward runner frame to the windshield section and the aft runner frame to the end section when said runner frames are substantially horizontally disposed.

13. In combination with a boat having a normally open cockpit, a deck surrounding said cockpit and a windshield section mounted on said deck forward of and transversely to said cockpit, a top for said open cockpit comprising a forward top section and an aft top section and means for detachably connecting said top sections to the deck, said forward top section comprising a U-shaped, vertically extending, forward bow member disposed transversely of the cockpit and a U-shaped forward runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotally connected to said forward bow member so as to normally extend in a horizontal direction lengthwise of the cockpit but arranged to be pivoted to a substantially vertical position with relation to said cockpit, said aft top section comprising a U-shaped, vertically extending ait bow member disposed parallel to and adjacent said forward bow member, an H-shaped aft runner frame having the leg portions thereof pivotally connected to said aft bow member so as to normally extend in a horizontal direction lengthwise of the cockpit but arranged i to be pivoted to a substantially vertical position with relation to said cockpit, strap plates adapted to detachably connect the bow members of the forward and ait top sections, and means to detachably connect the forward runner frame to the windshield section and the aft runner frame to the deck when said runner frames are substantially horizontally disposed.

14. In a boat having a null provided with decking, an open cockpit extending longitudinally of the boat, a vertically extending windshield section mounted on the decking and positioned transversely oi the boat forward of the cockpit, a top structure including a first top section comprising a rst vertically extending support detachably7 mounted on the decking so as to extend transversely of the cockpit intermediate the ends thereof, a iirst runner fra-me pivotally connected to said iirst support so as to normally extend horizontally above said cockpit between said windshield section and said rst support, said pivotal connection permitting movement of said nrst runner frame to a vertical position, means to detachably connect said rst runner frame to said windshield section, a second top section comprising a second vertically extending support detachably mounted on the decking so as to extend transversely of the cockpit adjacent said first support, a second runner frame pivotally connected to said second support and having portions thereof arranged so as to normally extend horizontally above said cockpit between the aft end of the cockpit and said second support, said pivotal connection permitting movement of said second runner frame to a vertical position, and means :e

i il

extending U-shaped support detachably mounted on the decking so as to extend transversely of the cockpit intermediate the ends thereof, a first U-shaped runner frame pivotally connected to said iirst support so as to normally extend horizontally above said cockpit between said windshield section and said rst support, said pivotal connection permitting movement of said first runner frame to a vertical position, means to detachably connect said first runner trame to said windshield section, a second top section comprising a second vertically extending U-shaped support detachably mounted on the decking so as to extend transversely of the cockpit adjacent said rst support, a second U-shaped runner frame pivotally connected to said second support so as to normally extend horizontally above said cockpit between said end section and said second support, said pivotal connection permitting movement of said second runner frame to a vertical position, and means to detachably connect said second runner frame to said end section.

16. In a boat having a hull provided with decking, an open cockpit extending longitudinally of the boat, a vertically extending windshield section mounted on the decking and positioned transversely of the boat forward of the cockpit, a top structure including a rst top section comprising a nrst vertically extending U-shaped support detachably mounted on the decking so as to extend transversely of the cockpit intermediate the ends thereof, a iirst U-shaped runner frame pivotally connected to said rst support so as to normally extend horizontally above said cockpit between said Windshield section and said rst support, said pivotal connection permitting movement of said iirst runner frame to a vertical position, means to detachably connect said rst runner frame to said windshield section, a second top section comprising a second vertically extending U-shaped support detachably mounted on the decking so as to extend transversely of the cockpit adjacent said first support, a second H-shaped runner frame pivotally connected to said second support and having portions thereof arranged so as to normally extend horizontally above said cockpit between the aft end of the cockpit and said second support, said pivotal connection permitting movement of said second runner frame to a substantially vertical position,

and means to detachably connect said second runner frame to the decking aft of the cockpit. CLARENCE H. BILLS.

No references cited. 

